Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Assess health problems and injuries in horses.

1.1. Identify common health problems and injuries  affecting horses.

1.2. Carry out appropriate pre and post activity assessment  of injuries or health problems and determine the immediate and ongoing course of action according to organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Calm and restrain horses prior to first aid assessment according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Access and select first aid equipment  according to required uses and organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Apply first aid  to horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

1.6. Refer treatment  and emergency care of horses as appropriate according to organisational policies and procedures.

2. Assist veterinarian.

2.1. Use accepted safe practices for restraint and handling of the horse according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

2.2. Provide assistance  to veterinarian during examination as directed and in a manner which avoids complications to existing injury, or injury to self or veterinarian

2.3. Carry out treatment and management practices as prescribed by the veterinarian following examination according to organisational policies and procedures

2.4. Monitor treatment and report problems to veterinarian as appropriate

3. Care for a convalescing horse.

3.1. Administer intramuscular injections according to instruction as part of the ongoing course of treatment according to relevant legislation and industry regulations

3.2. Remove and reapply bandages as instructed without causing discomfort to the horse

3.3. Carry out therapeutic exercise with horse if required according to organisational policies and procedures

3.4. Provide horse with feed which will aid health and digestion in the process of recovery

3.5. Document progress and problems according to organisational policies and procedures.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• liaise with veterinarians and managers
• follow instructions and directions to carry out treatment

• problem-solving skills to:

• assess health problems and injuries
• decide on the most appropriate course of action and monitor first aid outcomes

• planning and organisation skills to identify and access required first aid equipment
• literacy skills to monitor and document treatment progress and problems
• safe horse handling and restraint techniques to ensure treatment is carried out safely

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe and effective treatment of horses
• anatomy or physiology of horses to enable the identification of health issues and the safe and appropriate treatment of injuries and health problems
• first aid equipment and its correct use
• vital signs of injury or ill health to ensure problems are identified and treated promptly
• examination techniques to enable problems and injuries to be identified accurately
• appropriate first aid procedures and principles relating to accidents and injuries
• restraint and handling techniques to calm and reassure injured or sick horses.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• works within own area of responsibility to control and restrain horses to ensure the safety of self and others
• implements and monitors first aid practices and procedures to care for horses and refers to veterinarian as appropriate
• utilises knowledge of anatomy and physiology of horses to recognise vital signs of horse health or injury
• applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as changing health conditions of the horse.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure application of first aid procedures for horses appropriate to injury assessment using required first aid equipment on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a private or commercial establishment and horses with injury or health problems
• horse first aid equipment and facilities
• organisational policies and procedures
• veterinarians.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of assessment and treatment of horses health problems or injuries including first aid equipment selection, preparation and use
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of anatomy and physiology of horses to recognise vital signs of horse health
• observation of safe handling and restraint techniques of horse during assessment and treatment
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• RTE3402A Implement animal health control programs.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Health problems and injuries  may include:

• cuts
• breaks
• colds
• punctures
• colic
• abrasions
• tying up
• bleeders
• acidosis
• distress
• hoof pricks
• stone bruises
• allergic reactions
• cast horses
• quarter cracks
• bowed tendons
• abnormal temperature
• insect bites
• animal bites
• diarrhoea
• dehydration
• founder
• oedema
• pneumonia
• skin infections.

Pre and post activity assessment  may include:

• weight
• in season
• respiration rate
• temperature
• sweating
• capillary refill
• lameness
• cramping
• heart or pulse rates.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• reporting illness or injury
• use and maintenance of first aid equipment
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• referral procedures
• restraint and handling of horses
• occupational health and safety.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations

First aid equipment  may include:

• bandages
• poultices
• scissors
• antiseptic creams or lotions or sprays
• twitch
• thermometer
• water and ice
• cotton wool
• anti inflammatory drugs
• painkillers
• syringes.

First aid  may include:

• application of support and box bandages
• treatment of swelling and inflammation
• administration of intramuscular injection.

Treatment  may include:

• cleansing
• isolation
• immobilisation
• administration of medication
• poultice
• support bandage
• hosing.

Assistance  may include:

• restraint
• use of halter and rope,
• nose twitch.